SAN DIEGO – Airman Colton Daggett, a native of Denton, Texas, serves in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I joined the Navy because I knew I didn't want a normal job,” said Daggett. "I wanted the chance to do things that others don't usually get to do. I'm definitely in a position like that while serving."
Daggett joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Daggett serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN NINE (HSM 79) in San Diego, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters, the MH-60R Seahawk.
Growing up in Denton, Daggett attended John H.Guyer High School and graduated in 2020. Today, Daggett uses the same skills and values learned in Denton to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I was taught that the more you learn the more you earn,” said Daggett.
These lessons have helped Daggett while serving in the Navy.
Navy pilots and aircrew at HSM 79 constantly train to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions. According to Navy officials, the MH-60R is the most capable multi-mission helicopter available in the world today. It is used for a variety of missions, including hunting and tracking enemy submarines, attacking enemy ships, search and rescue, drug interdiction, delivering supplies and supporting the Navy’s special operations forces.
Serving in the Navy means Daggett is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus, rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Daggett and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is never giving up when times get hard,” said Daggett. "The whole process of joining and serving during COVID-19--I'm proud I've stuck with it."
As Daggett and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself and being a team player,” added Daggett.